Town of Whiteville Recognizes Its Own Men and Women in Blue at Award Ceremony
The Town of Whiteville Police Department (WPD) recognized five officers from its department on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, during an awards ceremony, which was held at the Town municipal center. Recognized WPD officers were Courtney Howell, Jonathan Lutrell, Randy Warren, Rochard Weaver, and Desmond Williams.
Chief Ben Davis complimented the WPD officers as a whole.
“They are very dedicated to the department and set the standard for being the most well dressed, well mannered, and professional officers you will find on the road,” said Chief Davis. “Sometimes, we are stopping people in their worst moment.”
Chief Davis presented the following awards to his officers:
S.R.O. Sergeant Courtney Howell, who was not able to attend the award ceremony, was recognized for her dedication and hard work in providing safety for Whiteville Elementary School students.
Officer Jonathan Lutrell, who recently came on fulltime in July 2024 with his canine partner, Kai, hit the ground running supporting the department having already made one half dozen seizures. He was recognized for his outstanding service and dedication while on patrol.
Officer Rochard Weaver, who leads the department in citations, and search and seizures, was recognized as Traffic Enforcement Officer of the Year and Officer of the Year. Chief Davis noted Officer Weaver, who recently ran in the St. Jude Marathon, in Memphis, Tennessee, actively participates in events, which benefit communities. Officer Weaver was also promoted to Corporal during the award ceremony.
Sergeant Desmond Williams, who is also in the ministry, was recognized for his courageous and lifesaving actions at the entrance of the Whiteville Police Department on Thursday, November 21, 2024, which was the day of the Town luncheon. It was later in the day after the luncheon when he was the only one at the department, and a person pulled into the parking lot of the station with an unresponsive family member seizing in the back of the car. Eventually the person had no pulse. Officer Williams rendered CPR and aid with dedication and courage to save a human life.
“If he is not saving lives here, he is saving lives in the church,” said Chief Davis.
Lieutenant Randy Warren, who has CPR adult and infant certifications, was recognized for his courageous and lifesaving actions at a scene on Monday, October 28, 2024, where he performed CPR on an unresponsive 12-year-old child until EMS arrived on the scene. Officer Warren rendered aid with dedication and courage to save a human life. He previously saved the life of a baby on whom he performed CPR.
Comments Chief Baker shared during the ceremony gave brief insight into some of the challenges police officers face while on the job and some, which follow them home. There is also the fact sometimes police officers do not make it back home.
“We see a lot of bad things, stuff that will haunt you when you go to bed at night,” said Chief Baker, who continued also giving a better understanding as to why they continue in the profession. “Having those good moments like that [saving someone’s life] makes it well worth it!”
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